The
Dumbo 60th Anniversary Edition was the beneficiary of an electronic film restoration process where every frame of film was scanned into a high resolution computer system, then painstakingly examined and repaired frame by frame to eliminate negative and positive dirt, film scratches and the like. A high definition transfer was done and color correction was supervised by Disney Feature Animation to ensure faithful reproduction of the colors as they were originally intended.
1 Simple, but one of Disney's greatest!
Disney's Dumbo is probably the simplest and the shortest Disney animated feature ever, but being "sweet and short" is what makes this film so great and outstanding. There's a lot of emotional scenes in the film, it's a sort of fun-drama like film, just like The Rescuers (1977) or The Fox and the Hound (1981). "Dumbo" is the story of a little baby elephant brought to his mother by a stork, he is cute, sweet and adorable, but has a pretty big (big!) defect, his ears are very large in size, for this, when Mrs. Jumbo the mother elephant decides to name his sweet new baby Jumbo Jr., the other elephants cruelly decide that "Dumbo" would be more appropiate. Life is like this for Dumbo, everyone teases him about his ears, but things get worse when his mother is taken away or when he is the cause of a huge catastrophe at the circus run by the evil and mean Ringmaster who really deserves all he got. However, things for Dumbo start getting better the day he discovers that he can use his ears for flying and a bunch of crows give him a "magic feather" to help him gain confidence. Dumbo is a sweet story, it offers the classic Disney happy ending, many surprises and fun.
The animation in this film isn't the most detailed ever, it will seem a lot like Make Mine Music or Melody Time, some characters don't really have faces and move really fast in a very cartoony way. This DVD is pretty cool, it offers some interesting and fun bonus features. Although the DVD cover claims that the feature was digitally restored and remastered to its original brilliance, it is obvious that more could have been done to improve the picture quality. The picture is otherwise great and really not as horrifyingly poor and murky as in the DVD release of The Rescuers (1977).
4.9/5
2 Beware of Bonus material.....otherwise great
The anniversary edition is awesome, with remastered artwork, many scenes are much more visible than previous versions, but BEWARE...If you are buying this for kids, PREVIEW the extra animated shorts before letting your kids see them. Our 3 yr old, who loves spooky stuff, is terrified by "The flying mouse" short, because there are bats that taunt the mouse (who is magically given bat wings) and sing a song titled "You're nothing but a nothing" looking very scarey. At one point he sees a reflection of himself as a scarey bat, and now our daughter won't take a bath because she's "afraid of the bats"...Thanks Disney.
3 Fun for everyone
This movie is heart wrenching, funny, and a real tear jerker all at once. The characters in it are outrageous and they keep your attention throughout the storyline. A definate for any Disney home library.
4 The Greatest!
This movie is the greatest! I am 13 and still love this movie.(you should see my room Dumbo everywhere) When I was 4 or so I didn't know that he got drunk. I thought it was water in the bottle. Even though it's short, it is still a great movie. It's a great movie to watch if your kid has short attatand(sp) span.
5 Timeless Classic that's dated yet still great.
My main compliant with this dvd is the fact that it's a short movie, yet still priced so high. Maybe they could have made a cool two disk set with tons of extras for this price, but maybe that's planned for the future.
In any case, the movie, as short as it is, is still a classic and is worth owning if you are into Disney films and have kids. Even though it lacks the adult humor and sophistication of today's modern animation and certainly isn't as polished the modern computer aided visuals are, the writing, especially in the movies songs, is well done and allows the movie to stand as solid entertainment.
The sequence Pink Elephants on Parade is perhaps one of animations greatest ever, and its dated art, while placing it the period it was done, is still outstanding and worth the price of admission by itself. The crows singing about never seeing an elephant fly is another great musical sequence. The musical portions coupled with the fairly basic plot line make this an attractive movie for young children, the story is endearing, and the main character lovable, a solid recommendation for the dvd library.
6 Great ,but sad
I love this movie so much.I always cry.It's sad how they make fun of Dumbo just because of the his ears.It's sad, but great.
It teaches a lesson.Oh and your children are not going to care about the part when they get drunk.
They would think they are dreaming or something like that.Besides Dumbo did not know there are beer
in the water.Buy this.It's great!
7 A movie that I still love
I loved this movie when I was younger. My mother say's that my favorite part was the pink elephants. Of course when I was a kid, I didnt understand the concept of drunkness. This will probably go over your child(rens) head.
Anyway, the movie is sad and yet an uplifting message about overcoming diversity and being all that you could be. Dont not allow your child to watch this for fear of "the wrong message" there are many positive aspects to this movie that you can go over with your child as you watch.
8 Best ever animated movie
This movie might be old but it's the best old movie I've ever seen. It's sad when Dumbo has his mother taken away from him and it's heart-warming when he sets out to find her. The mouse who becomes Dumbo's friend is funny. The most defining part of the movie that compelled me to buy it was when Dumbo's mother rocks him in her trunk and all the other baby animals are cuddling with their mothers. That part is so cute. You're truly a Disney fan if you like this movie!
9 Glad Its Back!
They sure don't make stories like they used to!
From a time when Disney made movies for the sake of making an enjoyable film, NOT the amount of merchandise it could spawn!
10 Powerful. Art.
This is perhaps the finest Disney film ever released. Produced during the Golden Age of Walt Disney, its no surprise it was the follow-up effort to Fantasia (itself nominated to the American Film Institute's list of 100 Greatest Movies). This was back when Disney films were art; not vehicles for commercial consumption.
Dumbo is a simple but unforgettable story that evokes strong emotions of joy and sadness (the scene in which Dumbo is briefly reunited with his imprisoned mother is absolutely beautiful and still has the power to bring adult viewers to tears). Following the precept that a picture tells a thousand words, the film utilizes an economy of songs and dialogue; but the animation conveys human emotions that are universal and easily understood.
The animated characters are more "life-like" than most actors, the dialogue, short but effective, the songs and song sequences ("Baby Mine," "Pink Elephants on Parade," etc.,), poetic and haunting.
Parents are making a mistake "shielding" their children from this picture. If anything, the film is chillingly realistic in its portrayal of human cruelty and feelings of isolation and sadness. But Dumbo also celebrates triumph over adversity, friendship, courage, and the parental love of a child. The movie's "happy ending" is incredibly uplifting and inspiring. Parents might shield their children from Dumbo, but they can't shield them from the world or these emotions. Children would be best served if parents watched the movie with them and worked through the film's powerful messages.
Snow White and Fantasia may have been the two movies that made the AFI's list, but for my money, Dumbo is the best Disney film ever made. It is flawless and absolutely brilliant.
11 Great movie! A true timeless classic
We checked this out of the library just because my little one loves elephants. Well, we've watched and watched and watched this one so much this week that we're going to have to buy the thing! It's such a cute movie. Albeit it's quite sad but it also shows that those who make and poke fun are usually the losers in the end. I love the crows - they're just so ornery in the beginning and I love how the main crow talks! It just cracks me up each time. And that song, "When I See An Elephant Fly," is just great. I don't like the drinking scene either and don't really think it's necessary. They could have come up with another way to show that Jumbo Jr. could fly. (I don't care for the title either!) But, I told my little one that he was drinking pop and that's how he could blow bubbles. So, if you go that route, you can get by with it pretty easily.
All in all, it's a great film and a true classic to add to your collection.
12 dumbo is a classic
thank you for bringing Dumbo back, like the older classics, they are more cleaner than most, at least disney can put out clean, and not so vulgar movies like others, thank you to Disney for having great movies, and bringing back the classics
as a child i loved Dumbo, Mickey,Cinderella, snow white, and more, it brings back a smile to my face, whoever said this movies was made by the black people, so what if they did, at least they were not afraid to work like some people. it does not matter what color you are and what we do, leave the commets to yourselves. I say bring back Dumbo
13 dumbo is cool.
this movie is quite old.i hear its been getting a bad rep lately because its a disney film with a lot of african americans doing all the manual labor.i think back then you could still call them black without a gang shooting on your hands.so what?they worked.would you really sacrifice history for the appeasel of one group?should i even have to say all this?nobody has cared for 60 years .why start now.its a kids movie for petes sake.let it go.dumbo is a elephant who is born with very big ears.all the other ignorant peers of his torment him reguraly and make life for him generaly unbearable.i think the kids will like it .i think the point needs to be stressed that the tormenters are bad.this movie is so old,i think colonel sanders was still a private then.its better than a lot of disney movies but worse than a lot too hence its average rating.this was also back before grossing out the movie goers was a regular part of movie going.i think thats good.i certainly dont like looking at poop,hearing farts,watching puke etc.the movie is more or less wholesome and i applaud it.some kids who are the tormentors probably wont like it.other kids only will watch movies that have animation thats up to todays standards.thats sad as there are a lot of old movies that are cool.the constant harrasment dumbo suffers may get to an over-sensitive child but most kids are able to deal with it.the message is that you shouldnt pick on people just because they are different than you.
14 Absolute Classic. Only whiny sheltering parents complain
I bought this for my three year old and I was amazed at how much I had forgotten about the film. It is a beautiful film. The artwork of those days was so geourgeous. It's like watching a full length feature of moving portraits. I know the graphical Disney movies today are much brighter and colorful , but something about those old water painted cells is more appealing to me.
Anyway, Dumbo is a wonderful tale of dealing with the grief of being ostracized. Dumbo is a classic protagonist who deals with so much that it is very hard for even an adult to hold back their tears at the end of the movie. People keep complaining about the Pink Elephant scene and the Crowes. Well, it is a fact of life that people drink and this could be used to educate a child. The Crowes are stereotyped of course, but yes most black people did talk that way back then. The point of the whole Crowes scene is too show that African Americans can relate to Dumbo better than anyone because they too had also been mistreated in society. It is in no way makeing fun of African American society. I don't understand this world. Anytime a scene is shown from early American Southern History everyone is in an uproar. This was our history and roots culture folks.
15 Good, yes... however...
Sure, it's a good tale. However, one thing you might consider before letting your children watch it is how dark this movie is. This movie is an exploration of some of the more darker and vile aspects of the human psyche. It is an animated meditation on abuse, slavery, and mistreatment. As such, it may disturb not only the children watching it, but the parents as well. Think twice about this one. There is also the very weird scene where Dumbo gets stinking drunk on alcohol and has "hallucinations." Yes, you should very much think twice about this one as a parent.
16 Dumbo, a classic
Made in the 40s and still appreciated by yours truly now. My favorite scene is when Dumbo and the mouse fall into the well and his wine in it. they get so drunk and they ended up hallucinating for like a 10 minute long substance abuse horror scene for children. honestly, unless you are taking shots of cheap vodka or smoking out of your buddies pipe whose name is an inside joke, do not let your kid see this part. (OR ANYOTHER SCENE because I remember crying when I was a little kid when Dumbo goes in a different cage than his mom on the circuis train and they get separated).
Anyways, about that scene. why does it last so long? was it like an inside joke to all the older viewers? i think this movie was the origin of the timeless hallucination of pink elephants. it is so trippy like when the elephants combine and they shoot into the sky or something like that and everything turns into fire works.
the next morning dumbo and his mouse friend end up in a tree and they're like man what happened.
17 For Any Disney Fans
This is definetly one of the greatest Walt Disney films ever made even though there were failures in Pinnochio and Fantasia. I saw this film when I was born in Charleston S.C. in 1991.
I thought it was cute especially the scene where Dumbo gets drunk. But the ringmaster (Ugh) he was terrible and abused Dumbo's mother. I wonder what Dumbo II is going to be like. Do any Disney fans know?
18 There Ain't Nothin' Dumb About Dumbo!
I hadn't seen this in years, but I decided to pick it up after downloading the "Baby Mine" song. Its got some of the finest animated sequences anyone can offer: The faceless roustabouts setting up the "Big Top," the parade of the ghostly, pink elephants, the loud-mouthed crows.
You can NEVER write a proper review about Dumbo without mentioning the powerful "Baby Mine" scene. It made me cry the first 2 of 3 times I watched it! A heart-breaking scene like that fits the sugar-coated ending perfectly!
As the story goes: baby-delivering storks are making a couple of deliveries to a zoo. Everyone gets a baby of their own (the bears, tigers, hippos, everybody), all except an awaiting, would-be mother elephant called Mrs. Jumbo. Soon, Jumbo and the rest of the criiters are loaded aboard the circus train, Casey Junior, and Jumbo still hasn't recieved an infant of her own! But a late delivery soon arrives for Jumbo. All the other lady elephants are very desperate to see Jumbo's child, when they do, they think he's the cutest creature on earth, until he sneezes! The sneeze reveals the baby pachederm to have abnormaly large ears! They begin constantly taunting and teasing the lil guy about his physical problem, they even nick-name him "Dumbo" because they think his ears make him look so.....dumb. But Mrs. Jumbo loves Dumbo reguardless of the size of his ears. The trouble starts when the circus opens a bunch of kids enter the Big Top to see all the animals. A ugly boy taunts Dumbo about his ears even worse than the "normal" elephants did, this makes Mrs. Jumbo mad as he11! She loses her self control and attacks the children (you go Jumbo)! The ringmaster is enraged by Mrs. Jumbo's actions and sentences her to "solitary confinement," leaving little Dumbo all alone (for only a little while). Dumbo is eventually befriended by a rodent known as Timothy Q. Mouse, who believes that Dumbo can be as big a success as the other elephants. As Timothy and Dumbo pursue the road to fame, comedy, tragedy, and even macabre ensues as Dumbo meets up with a bunch of (...) clowns, ghostly pink elephants, and flock of loud-mouthed crows.
Dumbo is an often overlooked gem that EVERYONE should see! It is so simple, it is classic!
19 A Little Film with a BIG heart.
Dumbo is one of the more endearing classics that Disney has made. It is very simple and not as complex as some of the other films. It is very sweet and a nice movie that the 8 and under crowd will cherish. The movie really appeals to anyone who loves Disney. It teaches important values and it has a few tearjerker moments. It is a definate classic in the lineup of Disney films. Be sure to see it if you are a fan of Walt Disney Animation.
20 best ever cartoon animated movie
There is so much debate to what is the best ever cartoon animated movie and you'll get answers such as "The Little Mermaid", "Aladdin", and "The Lion King". But this movie is above and beyond better than them and all the other cartoon animted movies. I wouldn't call it the best G Rated ever because of the likes of live-action G Rated movies such as Babe and Gordy and computer animated G Rated movies such as Toy Story but before all those, there was Dumbo. All those movies have heart-warmth and Dumbo is a big reason why because it's a pioneer for those movies. It's the first G Rated ever made that warmed people's hearts because of a young circus elephant that wanted to find his mom because she was taken away from him. The best part in the movie is when he goes to visit his mom and she's rocking him in her trunk. That part really touched my heart. The other character I like is the mouse. He's very funny and the fact he befriends this very sad elephant is classic friendship. Sure this movie might be out-dated now but to us fans, it will forever be a classic!
21 Sad but still a classic
Come on people. Get over your fears that your child will be permanently scarred and/or a juvenile delinquent just becuase they watch something that isn't totally sugar-coated, and then show them a great movie like this. I'll admit, this is undoubtedly one of the saddest movies in my memory, but that doesn't change the fact that it is a classic and should be a part of every kid's life. Disney movies are such a huge part of my life, I don't know what I'd be like if I was banned from watching them. Whatever, it's your decision and everything, but all this censorship is only going to make things go more down the toilet than they already have.
22 Nostalgic Classic
I remember when I first saw this as a young child, I couldn't believe how horrible it was for him to get separated from his mother. Also, I remember being really scared during the dream sequence with the dancing clowns.
Watching it again, after so many years, the clowns still scare me, but the mother child separation isn't so terribly angsty for me anymore, which might have to do with growing up.
This is a great movie for young children because it deals so well with the parent-child bond. It also teaches children to believe in themselves and not be ashamed of their differences.
23 Enjoy the movie for what it is
I know that people will sit at the compter screen and write the stereotypes of movies. For what ever purpose they do it for, they are in every movie. I have watched Dumbo every single day when I was little. I didn't sit there and analyze every little detail about it. It's a great movie for kids to watch because it is entertaining. I am 18 now and I still watch it. Does it mean I need to grow up? No,because I know that every person has a favorite things that go over board on every once in a while and they go crazy. Just enjoy the movie for what it is,not what things stand for throughout the movie. When you do that,you loose the whole concept of it.
24 Good!
I don't remember watching Dumbo when I was a child but I did watch this movie when I was in my late teens or early 20's and I thought the movie was good and I thought the message about how wrong it is to treat people badly beacuse they are different than you is a very good message for a childrens movie to have and I recommend the movie!
25 RACIAL STEREOTYPE ONLY CLOUD HANGING OVER THIS CLASSIC
If you've read some of the reviews bellow, you'll notice alot of defending of this film going on. Yea, a member of the PC police wrote a review saying they'd ban there kid from watching this crule, insensative, irresponsible cartoon. Here's a list of why this film is a great opportunity to entertain AND educate your kids;
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
-You can use this film to discuss how cruel teasing can affect others. The teasers are THE BAD GUYS!!
-Point out how hurtful bahaving in an exclusive manner can be.
-Discuss how "Dumbo" perseveres dispite the opinions of others.
-IF they ask, point out how bad things CAN happen when you use drugs or alchohol.
-Talk about how cultural sensativities have changed since the 1940s. (The crows stereotyped as "blacks" is actually pretty shameful. I don't point this out because my kids don't get it.)
ENTERTAIN
-extremely pure and simple story. Kids love this film.
-"Casey Junior" song stick in your brain. My 20 month old is enthralled by the train.
-"Elephants on Parade" is a real "Trip". It is more remarkable when you consider the lack of computer technology at the time.
-The faceless "roust-abouts" are a little creepy, but my kids survived.
-The ending is as sugar-coated as you would ever want, which is why people love this film.
DVD
-Totally re-mastered. Flawless.
-2 shorts related to flying and elephants are ok.
-Black and White Sound stage clip from "The Ruluctant Dragon" is pretty cool.
-Enough extras for a couple of hours.
I think the main take-away from this review is that;
-you can choose to protect your kids from everything
or
-you can teach them how to cope with situatutions that they will inevitably encounter.
I certainly would not ban my kids from seeing an imaginative art peice like "Dumbo". In the famous words of Dori in "Finding Nemo"... "If you don't let anything happen to him, then nothing will happen to him. Not much fun for little Elmo".
26 Touching and Endearing
For me, the most interesting thing about "Dumbo" is it's history. It was made during the war and Walt needed something that was inexpensive to make, so he bought the rights to the children's book of the same name. The film is only 64 minuites long, but if it where any longer,it would get boring. What's trueley remarkable about "Dumbo" is that the main character never talks, but is able to express so much emotion. The scene where Mrs. Jumbo is cradeling Dumbo with her trunk from inside her jail cell is one of the most touching moments in Disney history. The picture and sound is restored and the special features are pretty good. I wish it would have gotten a 2-disc release because I know Disney has more content in there vaults that they could have filled up another disc with. And the work in progress trailor for "Dumbo 2" disturbes me. I wish Disney wouldn't make sequels to films Walt made.
27 Dumbo - Why is it wrong?!
I do not agree with the parental advice given in other reviews not to show DUMBO to children. As it is their opinion, I will give you mine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Dumbo. Nothing in the movie will scar a child. In fact, I remember latching onto my family as a young child after watching it. It is a movie that really makes you be thankful for those around you. I think it's one of the best Disney films ever made. Personally, I think it was made in the prime of Disney movies. More recent Disney movies (made after Lion King and Aladin) don't even compare to the depths and wonder of the older classics. The animation is stunning for the time, and the little details and scenes are just wonderful. Although it is a sad watch, lessons are taught and it is just a great movie.
I'm VERY glad to have seen it quite a few times as a child.
28 NEAR PRISTINE DVD of a DISNEY CLASSIC
"Dumbo" is the delightful tale of a floppy-eared elephant who comes into his own when he realizes, with the aid of a mouse, that he can fly. Filled with Uncle Walt's masterful gifts of storytelling and memorable music, this is a genuine treasure that, no matter your age, will leave you tune-filled and tappin'. Oh, for those new to the film, for the scene in which Dumbo's mother is imprisoned...bring Kleenex. Coupled with the song, 'Baby Mine', it's truly heart-breaking.
TRANSFER: Outstanding. A rich and vibrant animated picture that completely captures the spirit and vitality of the subject. There is a bit of film grain present and some minor age related artifacts. Also, some edge enhancement does crop up now and then - but these do not detract from the visual presentation. Colors are solid and vibrant. Contrast levels are bang on. The audio has been remastered and remixed and is very nicely spread out over all your speakers.
EXTRAS: A making-of, some short subjects and a theatrical trailer. All-in-all, great good fun.
BOTTOM LINE: "Dumbo" is a family classic. It sparkles with the kind of innocence and mastery of the craft of animation that is sadly lacking in Disney's current crop of feature films.
29 I love this Movie!
If i could, i would rate this movie 100 stars! I watched Dumbo when i was a little kid, and i loved it. Our old tape is so used that it has a funny hum when played. Anyone who calls this movie disturbing or scary is probably disturbed and scary themselves. This is a classic! It's sweet and powerful all at once, and has a lot more feeling than newer movies which are just scene after scene of blah.
30 mean spirited
As a disabled woman I can wholeheartedly recomend such Disney movies such as Finding Nemo but have a hard time recomending Dumbo. Dumbo was made fun of by everyone except the crows and his mother in the movie and was treated cruely. In the end, the thing that made everyone like Dumbo was when they found out Dumbo could fly. So if Dumbo never learned to fly they would have never considered him worth treating nice? Cruddy message.
31 Dark, classic animation
DUMBO is my favorite Disney film. Although is it barely 1 hour long, it is packed with complex themes and gorgeous animation, far beyond what was being done 60 years ago. DUMBO is a dark film, with echos of film noir. It is frequently raining or snowing, and much of the action takes place at night. Although much has been written about the hallucinatory "Pink Elephants on Parade" number, my favorite sequence (in fact, my all-time favorite Disney animated sequence) is the erecting of the circus tent scene. During the pouring rain, the circus workers, assisted by the elephants, put up the tent in a fantastic ballet of social realism, echoing the best of Ben Shahn and Diego Rivera. The animation swings around the scene, taking in only an arm here, a swinging hammer there. Topped by that swirling soundtrack, this scene is the best that Disney has ever done. The story may, at times be a bit too intense for younger viewers, but no more so than other Disney films where parents die (e.g., Bambi), or tense moments occur. On top of it all, the main character never speaks a word. This ain't no "bare necessities" film, rather, it is simply a work of art.
32 Too old but bought it anyway
I'm a college student and have begun rebuying all my old disney favorites. I can understand why parents of younger children(7 and under) would not want them to watch Dumbo, although the movie is a classic and it is an amazing experience to go back and look at the old animation and compare it to today's standards. I actually wrote an english paper on this movie this year- comparing my views on it from when I was little to my current age. NOTE TO CONCERNED PARENTS- I owned Dumbo when I was little (I'm 19..so...) and I only remembered the vaguest parts of it- I knew his mom tried to protect him and got taken away, he learned to fly with a feather, he made friends with a mouse, and I remembered the creep pink elephants he sees. Other than that- nothing. As long as you watch it with them and say, "Thats not very nice of them is it? What would you say?" They're really not going to remember the details of it in the long run anyway. :)
33 what a disturbing movie!!! really!
i know this movie is a "classic"... but come on! this is one horrible movie for this day and age. i'm refusing to let my son watch this anymore!
#1- those mean, horrible elephants who pick on baby dumbo... because of a deformatity (?sp)! would you do that to someone you first meet who may have something wrong with him. and to snub the mother...!...
#2- there is no way on this earth that they would let kids touch an elephant! let along grab it and pick on it. of course the mother elephant gets mad... WOULDN'T YOU if it was your child!
#3- taking away the mother from her child! how dare they! and for so long!
#4- showing the dumbo drunk! pink elephants! come on! do you really want your child to ask you about that?
#5- those rude, obnoxious(?sp) clowns!
#6- portraying the crows as "blacks" just because they are black. shamfull!
disney movies are to show our kids a fun time about sorta real life things to other creatures! this is one movie that disney should be ashamed of!
i can't believe all the other reviewers gave it 5 stars, just 'cause it's an old disney movie.
WAKE UP! don't buy this movie... and DO NOT let your kids watch it!
if i could give it negative stars, i would! it doesn't even deserve 1 star, but you have to put something.
34 20,000,000 Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong
There is nothing I can add to all of the heartfelt and insightful reviews I've seen on this site. But I've yet to see a sample of its international reknown. Check it out!
At the 1947 Cannes Film Festival DUMBO won the Palm D'Or. Not too shabby. Even though the animated classic was 5 years old at that time it was still honored. I believe that the French judges wanted to catch up on all of the films they would have recognized had not a little thing called WWII begun on the eve of the first scheduled Cannes Film Festival, causing it to be sort of postponed (yet another decent thing those wretched goose-steppers messed up!). Disney has not received that honor a second time, putting DUMBO truly in a class by itself.
35 Special!!!!
I enjoyed this cartoon it is so cute I think that Dumbo was so cute especially when his ears would flop open he is so adorable I really did like Dumbo he is a cute and sweet elephant and helps out whenever he is needed . Dumbo was very shy but he was so cute !!!!!
36 The best Disney film ever !
Other films might have more fluid animation or more memorable songs, but no Disney animated film hits it on all cylinders like Dumbo. All it once you will laugh, cry, be delighted and scared, and cheer alongside the exploits of little Dumbo and his pal Timothy. This is one of the most heart-warming (and at times heart-rendering) tales ever told. A magnificent movie and a thoroughly entertaining classic, you must see Dumbo. Twice, if necessary. Bring peanuts and a box of tissues.
37 They were dumb when they made it....
Oh sure, everyone has said what a fine animated classic, but I think it's the dumbest thing ever made. Stupid looking elephant learns he can fly by the end of the movie. But you can see that coming ten minutes into the film. If this is a classic, I've seen MTV videos that were better then this.
38 The One...The Only...The FABULOUS...DUMBO!
'Dumbo' is one of my all-time favorite Disney classics. It's timeless! Everytime I watch it the story never gets old. There isn't another sweeter movie to match it. It's a darling story of how a little elephant with unusally big ears finds that no matter how unique you are you're always have a purpose in life. Who says that a character gotta speak in an animated film or any film for that matter? It's the emotion and facial expressions that speak louder than words. The innocence and sentiment surpasses it peers to a priceless treasure. You'll fall in love with the characters Dumbo and his circus companion, Timothy Q. Mouse. Other highlights of the movie is the scenes with the Crows and the music score (won an Academy Award in 1942 for Best Music Score), "When I see an Elephant Fly" sung by the Hall Johnson Choir, the pink elephant (could this be an 1941 anti-alcohol message?). You'll find yourself shedding a tear to "Baby Mine" (nominated for an Academy Award in 1942 for best song). If not, I pronounce you clinically brain dead. I always feel lulled into a calm state-of-mind every time I hear it. Try it sometime! In my honest opinion, the Top 10 all-time greatest Disney classics would be: 1. Dumbo, 2. Mary Poppins, 3. The Jungle Book, 4. Winnie the Pooh, 5. Pochantas, 6. Tarzan, 7. The Lion King, 8. Lady and the Tramp, 9. The Love Bug, 10. Fantasia.
39 Lighten up, people! This is a GREAT movie!
I am really not sure where to begin writing a decent sophisticated review with proper transitions, etc. ya da ya da- but I got to open up and say I LOVE this movie! It is quite possibly my favorite movie period. I am 17 and I have loved this movie for as long as I can remember; it's even better now, because I am old enough to appreciate its wonderful messages and morals. It's an anti-animal cruelty flick seen from the animals' point of view and pointing out the ignorance of the humans, and a realistic depiction of how cruel and unjust the world can be, and what can be done to overcome despite it all. Anyway, for those of you who aren't familiar with the plot (get your heads out of your rears and watch this, PLEASE) it's the story of a baby elephant delivered to Jumbo on a circus train from a stork. He is immediately derided by the fellow elephants and human audience because of his oversized ears. The only ones who who show any compassion are his mother Jumbo, and his friends-a mouse named Timothy and a flock of crows who give him support and encouragement.
I love the cleverness and depth of this movie- the mother and friends that stick up for him even if it results in sacrifices for themselves (Jumbo being confined from the other elephants for "disorderly conduct"), the loving bond between mother and son, and the anti-discrimination messages. By the way, this movie isn't racist, I know for a fact that it's ANTI-racist (uncountable reasons why that would require an entire separate review) and the crow scene was not intended to demean black culture but embrace it, (with a black cast); many people misread the content and took it the wrong way, seeing as most things at the time were condemnable and ignominious. Pretty outstanding for 1941 when there was still so much bigotry in the US. The same thing happened with the 1942 cartoon "Coal Black the Seven Dwarfs". And the "Roustabouts" scene wasn't bigoted, either. It's just a fact that in those days it was common for brothers to be willing to take the [bad] jobs if better ones weren't available, am I right? I am black myself telling you all of this, so does that make any of this more convincing? I'm not na?ve and I discern racism when I see it. The completely different selection of writers and blackless cast for the monkey scene in the Jungle Book, however, is an entirely different situation, but lets not get into that. If you are one of the neurotically oversensitive people who DO thing this movie's racist, your kids won't know anyway unless you rub it in their faces; you're only aggravating things.
Anyway, the parts of the movie that will delight people of all ages are the quaint and adorable animation of the animals and the classic catchy songs. My faves are the cute "Look Out For Mr. Stork", the clever pun-filled soul song "When I See An Elephant Fly", the hypnotic "Elephants On Parade", the catchy tunes "Casey Junior" and "Roustabouts"... they're all so good. The few good characters are lovable- benevolent Jumbo, cute little Dumbo/Jumbo Jr., the witty and hilarious (and cute may I add-I love cartoon birds) crows, the charismatic Timothy, and "good ol'" Mr. Stork. I detest the rest of the characters. The heartless elephants, that awful red-haired kid teasing Jumbo Jr., the selfish Mussoliniesque circus trainer who had disregard for the well-being and proper husbandry of the animals, and the *cough* clowns. Those are the most hideous clowns I have ever seen and have lurked in my nightmares as a child. What I also don't like about this film are the alcohol/drug references, anti or not. Although it may not do too much harm being that to the younger naive audience it will have no significance and to the older audience simply amusing and humorous, I still find the idea of an infant elephant getting drunk in a children's movie a little disturbing. And that psychedelic pink elephant scene- try and tell me that there weren't stoners involved in the writing and production of that part of the movie. As a little kid I thought it was entertaining on the eyes, now it makes me laugh, but I still can't help but wonder why that didn't frighten me as a small child. And how the neglecting elephants all of sudden started respecting Dumbo just because he was famous? That always made me outraged.
Despite of the film's few blunders, there are many times more good qualities that could make me care less. This movie literally is a classic.
40 How Can You Not Love Dumbo?
Ok I grew up with this movie, meaning I can't remember a time when I did NOT know this movie. The people who talk about racism, I had to stop and read to even know what they were talking about!
For one thing, the song Roustabouts? The people were all black? I for one couldn't tell, it was nighttime and everything was dark! I never thought they were all black. And the lyrics in the song are racist and demeaning? I don't know about you but to this day I can barely tell what they're saying! The lyrics always seemed quite garbled and unintelligible to me. I always just thought it was a cool-sounding song that went along to the beat of them hammering in the tent stakes. I hardly think any child is going to hear this song and pick up a racist attitude. I certainly didn't, and I was not an unintelligent child.
And as for the crows, I NEVER connected them with black people when I was a child. They were CROWS. I remember thinking that they were musicians, but I never stared at the screen and thought, "Oh, those crows are supposed to be like black people! Black people all smoke cigars and wear striped shirts!" I think people are reading too far into it and assuming too much about the connections their children will make. Children will not view cartoons with a racist attitude, especially if it is animals and not people that are being depicted.
Dumbo has some wonderful lessons in it. The film is certainly not PRO animal cruelty, it is most obviously against it. Children viewing it will learn to treat animals kindly because it shows them with feelings and emotions. Poor little Dumbo crying after his mother is taken away never fails to choke me up. The scenes of Dumbo's mother being whipped and locked up are heart-wrenching, but I think children need to be exposed to things like that. Life is hard and without a concept of how difficult life can be, how will they ever grow up with any sense of reality?
The sequence where Timothy brings Dumbo to visit his mother in her cage is so touching, I cannot watch it without getting tears in my eyes, and movies rarely make me cry. Just thinking about it makes me misty. It would make anyone appreciate having a loving mother.
Dumbo is a great movie for children, it is loaded with morals and important life lessons and I can't imagine why anyone would not want to let their child view it.
41 Some light moments, to many dark moments.
We ranked this 32 out of the 41 Disney animated movies that we own. The best moment was the crows. The writers just piled to much misery onto poor dumbo.
42 A Great Movie- That's NOT Racist...
Lets cover some basics-
As per the whole drunken scene- its SUPPOSED to be scarey- that teaches children the negative aspects of alcohol and alcoholism *the mean and stupid drunk clowns*, and the predicament that accidentally getting drunk that landed dumbo in a TREE... the elephants were meant to scare children, just as much as a description of a bad acid trip or how any drug ruins the body used by programs such as DARE is meant to scare children- so it stays in their mind and they understand the consequences of irresponsibility.
So the crows are racist because... they talked with a slight southern accent, had an "black" voice, and were not the most fluent in proper English|American speach? Have you- I don't know, visited the south ever? Do you have any clue how People in GENERAL talked in the late 1800's and early 1900's? Understand slang, or colloquialisms, or dialect differences of those times? Apparently NOT. It seems to me that you have made the assumption all on your own that the crows MUST be Negro because- they are unlearned and crows are- black. Your association is "Black"- your childs association is- Crow, of course you could push your own odd mentality on your kid by telling them that the crows ARE black and they ARE making fun of or belittling people of darker skin tones... but more than likely your three year old doesn't even notice colour, and won't until you start throwing it in his face. For what it's worth, I live in Mobile Alabama, I was born and raised in Boston *My husband is serving in the USCG*, if anything I'd say "yep the crows are southern"- because guess what, people here- still talk like that, and this state is by far primarily "White". I notice no one mentioned the men working in the rain- but those voices were of a "coloured" choir too- so I guess then that says that "Blacks"- ahh- get the job done? The crows are some of the nicest most friendly charachters in the film. In many ways, the crows are Dumbo's saving grace, giving him the "magic feather" and thus the confidence to fly, and he doesn't forget them in the end. The crows wouldn't be at all half the awesome charachters they are if it weren't for the "Black" voices behind them. They were full of soul and really uplifting- perhaps that's why Jim Charmicheal and the Hall choir were chosen- because they brought the charachters to life and could make people sing and smile.
Now lets talk about the potential for reverse racism, the crows ONE "negative" quality is their speach (personally I think they speak better English than President Bush does!), yet the cruel men in the film, the ringmaster, the clowns, the little boys who torment baby dumbo- they are all White. They are the depictions of negative human qualities. The ringleader is a power hungry, abusive, calculating, cold hearted animal abuser and neglecter... and also abusive in his treatment of his workers. The clowns are lazy drunks who lack complete regard for the lives of animals- shoving dumbo out a window. And what about the other elephants, those female- uppercrust meanies- there's some nice "white" voices for you. They were realll sweethearts. When you look at the facts more like that it starts to look more like those poor poor Negros who are regarded as dumb- aren't really the focus of this movie at all. *Gasp shock* what a novel notion- a Disney movie that isn't racist and it isn't a movie that is going to scar all children. You can use this movie like many other Disney films to teach children many many important life lessons- but that would mean you'd have to do more with the tv set than use it as a babysitting device for your kid.
43 Wonderful!!!!!!!!!
I loved this movie since I was in first grade. Mainly because the main character, the lovable Dumbo, reminded me of myself. I was an out cast and people made fun of me all the time and I only had six "Real" friends, as did Dumbo (Timothy Mouse and the 5 singing Crows who showed Dumbo how to fly). I cry everytime it goes off because it ends so fast. If only the movie was longer would it be better. Get it because of Dumbo cutness and the wonderful songs (My favorite was "when I see an elephant fly"). The movie will bring tears to your eyes.
44 A classic...
Dumbo has been around since I was a child. I had to get it for my 3 year old. He loves it. It also has a teaches a lesson. What more could you want for your child.
45 Unbelievable that so many are OK with the racism
Wow- open your eyes, folks. I don't care if it was made 200 years ago, this is not the kind of cultural message I want to give to my little boy. Not to mention, the taunting, scary pink elephants, fire, drunkeness....Disgusting! Oh, and if your mom helps you through it, they lock her up. Nice messages for the little people (NOT!)
46 Great Movie
This movie is perfectly fine for Children , I watched this movie before and it does not look like Disney was giving Glory to the Cruel Treatment of animals here but rather it was the other way around > Like when the Ring Master had all those Elephant's standing on top of eachother I don't think Walt Disney was saying it's okay to treat animals this way, I mean did you ever think that it could have only been a joke, its just a cartoon not everything they do needs to be taken serious , also I get the feeling that Walk Disney was against this treatment of animals , like when they locked up Dumbo's Mother it seems like Disney was saying this was a bad thing , to me I think that maybe Disney was trying to say that some of this stuff that goes on in the circus is not good and is cruel > I mean that is the message I get out of it > I am someone who loves and adores animals so I can understand how manby an animal lover might would be offened , but to me this movie makes animal cruelity out to be bad if anything > No this movie is not racist , just because they have Black people putting up the tent does not make it racist and just because the Black Crows might talk like Black people, I mean it's getting crazy people thinking of almost anything as being racist , like having Black Witches is Racist is just crazy and also if you say that Black Man rather then that Man someone might accuse you of being racist, I mean people really need to take it easy , this stuff is not racist > It just that way it was back then and it not Walk Disney's fault that it was that way back then, so just because they had those Black Men putting up Tents does not make Disney a racist lol , maybe if anything Disney here as well was speaking against racism ? Also so what if the Black Crows sounded like Black People that does not make Disney a racist lol , I mean did not the Black Crows turn out to be good and help Dumbo ? hmmmmmm ? Well then so if they where supposed to be like Black People then Disney was making these certain Black People out to be good and helpful, so if anything Disney was saying that there are a lot of good Black People > Anyways, I have always liked this movie as a Child but never owned it until it this Special Dvd came out > I like the message about this baby Elephant with a so called birth defect being good and coming out a winner , just because he was different other did not like him, even though he was so innocent , to me this movie has wonderful messages and I don't see that this movie gives Glory to racism or cruel animal treatment at all >
47 A rare Disney animated movie
Dumbo is a very rare Disney animated movie that didn't have a villian, and plus this movie runs about 63 minutes. O.K. I know I reviewed this movie back in December, and I caught this during Disney Channel's get animated that are runs 8 Disney animated movies every night for a week. Well Dumbo doesn't talk, but the other elephants to. To find out what Dumbo is about (see my Decembr 19th review). Animated movies takes 2 to 3 years to make, and yet this animated movie was made in 1 year. The animators was working overtime. If a lot of animators work on animated movies, why does it take a couple of years to make. If only one animator was working on an animated movie, it would take a long time. Where is Dumbo 2? Disney has made a lot of sequels to thier clasic movies and yes, this movie might scare young kids, as much as Disney animated movies do. But that's Disney. The only Disney movies that I feel derseves a G rating are Finding Nemo and Piglet's Big Movie, those are the only titles I can think of at this time.
48 How the mind plays tricks.
I was so excited to rent this video and watch it with my son. I didn't remember it being so racist. I was incredibly saddened as we sat through it, hoping that my son wouldn't pick up on all the slurs against people of color. I agree with many other reviewers that this movie is a classic, it is just a shame that it was socially acceptable to make this kind of statement at that point in time.
49 Dumbo's not so dumb
Dumbo, the fourth movie of the Disney Canon, is one of the Disney classics that everyone should watch and own.
The story is timeless. A baby elephant with unusually large ears is born in a circus. Everyone thinks his ears are funny, except the baby, Jumbo Jr, who is cruelly nicknamed "Dumbo", his mother, and a mouse. The mouse tries to make him popular, with very unfortunate results. The mouse and the baby elephant crawl away from that disaster and into another one - they get slightly intoxicated! But whatever Jumbo Jr dreamt turns into his triumph - it is thru his dream that he finds out he can use his ears to fly! He returns to the circus determined to use his newfound ability to show everyone that he can be a valuable member of the elephant herd. And, of course, he succeeds.
This movie takes you back to the days when circuses really did travel mostly by rail from town to town and created huge sensations when they arrived. The tenderness between Dumbo and his mother are priceless. The scenes of Mrs. Jumbo rioting in the circus when her baby seems threatened are fairly true to life. The unlikely friendship between Timothy and Dumbo teaches us to work together no matter who or what we are. One of the more interesting facts about this movie is that the main character, Dumbo, never speaks. He gets all of his emotions across with a look or a gesture. That makes his character stronger.
This tale teaches courage in the face of failure, loyalty in the face of adversity, and a triumph of a handicap over the troubles of life. In just 64 minutes, the shortest Disney feature length animated movie, the Disney animators give us a story that will stand up to any that has been made then or since.
The animation is simplistic, but fun. This movie had to be made on a shoestring budget due to the upcoming war. And the fact that the Disney studios had yet to get out of the red, despite the critical success of Snow White and Pinocchio made it even harder to get this movie to the theaters. Fantasia did not make money for the studio by itself until the 1969 re-release!
The colors are very vibrant and eye-catching. It looks a lot more like a cartoon, but with the famous Disney eye for detail. The "Pink Elephant" sequence will have you wondering what the Disney animators were thinking of - it is probably the most memorable animated sequence of all time, and also serves as a great anti-alcohol message. Watch this sequence carefully - it switches from almost surrealistic to realistic to three dimensional to almost psychedelic and back again in just a few minutes.
The 60th anniversary DVD contains some cool extras - including concept art that has never been released before, the origin and history of Dumbo, a couple sing along songs, an animated short or two, and other goodies. It also includes a sneak peek at the upcoming "Dumbo II".
This movie should be on everyone's DVD shelf, even if you don't have children of your own. Great for grandkids and the whole family.
50 Tops
This film is Amazing...not only is the story sweet and heartfelt, the animation is Unreal! Too bad Disney doesn't make animated films like this anymore....sad...
Pick this up if you havent yet, there is NO reason NOT to own this! its not only a classic, its a Disney classic.
51 Stereotypical? Figure Out How To Use It, Not Abuse It!
Why am I not surprised that there is someone reviewing this classic who trashes it as if they had never seen it and were offended by the cultural sensitivity issues that are part of the film. (See the Tallahassee reviewer titled "Do not purchase this video for children" January 21, 2003) For crying out loud, this script reflects what was normal at the time the film was first released. It's full of classic pieces that of course include a white dominated societal commentary on what was perceived as appropriate black cultural roots at that time. Is it outdated? Sure, so is nearly every other film from that era. Does this make it less of a classic? Absolutely not. In fact, this is the *real* Disney, long before it was sanitized for the Anaheim-Orlando crowd. Is the film inappropriate for a 21st century kid? That's a parental decision, but if you plan to shelter your child from the real history of the U.S., they will have a rude awakening (with all the accompanying psychoses) that you *won't* be able to control. My kids loved this film when they were very young.....we talked about the cultural issues by the time they were in school.....in fact, I distinctly remember them coming home to ask why some kids treated others so badly because of the color of their skin, their accents, etc. We used Dumbo to show them what used to be, was is today, and how to deal with it. And there was never a place where the original empathy of the film was lost on them. They have repeatedly made personal decisions and stood up against improper cultural slurs their entire lives (they are all either in college or their final years of high school now). I've been pleased with how they can see a cultural slur coming and are not willing to put up with any of the culturally "acceptable" ways of trashing others' ethnicity.
Now, what about the film? This is a great Disney classic from the days when there was a full bodied, earthy smell to what they did. It's release in this format provides a historical window on American culture from the 1950s that is true and clear. It loses nothing in the 21st century translation and in fact, gains considerably from it's historical context. A great child's film that every adult needs to understand!
52 Do not purchase this video for children
I was shocked that Disney would make such a horrible movie for children. It is loaded with social and cultural stereotypes and constantly shows animals caged, doors slamming on animals, and even shows the ringmaster whipping Dumbo's mother with a large black whip. My two-year old was very scared. More than that, I was offened by the song "Roustabouts". The men who put up the circus tent at night sing this song. First of all, they are all black men putting up the tent. If you listen to the words of the song, they are singing about " we don't read or write" and "when we get our pay we throw our pay away." Also, the black crows in the movie clearly have black accents. I know my two-year old doen't pick up on this, but I don't want her watching this kinds of movie over and over again. The only saving grace in this video is the loving relationship between Dumbo and his mother. I don't like this video and am VERY sorry that I bought it. A big disappointment Disney!
53 A timeless classic.
Its a timeless classic, you actually think I am going to review it and say something bad? get a grip. :-) Unless you just came from Mars you already know the standard that Disney has adhered too, one of the few product lines that needs not be reviewed.
54 Has endured through the years
This is probably my favorite of all my 3-year old's videos. It is great for a mom and child to watch together (lots of mommy-baby lovey gooey scenes). It is far less violent than most more modern videos. There are some race issues to be aware of--you do see some of the stereotypes of the day--but young children will not pick up on that and with older kids it's easy to talk to them about it. The music is outstanding, even the in-between-scenes incidental music sticks with me all day.
55 Excellent
This is an excellent DVD to give a child for the holidays. My niece loves this DVD, and that is the ultimate review from a three year old. Three year olds in my experience are very honest, so whatever else is said about this DVD know this, it passess the test of a youngster. So, if you have youngsters, and you need them to be distracted, this is a great tool.
Joseph Dworak
56 One of Disney's Crown Jewels
One of the five best Disney movies, Dumbo is a magificent, heartfelt film that proves one does not require a great budget to make a great movie. Every moment of this movie -- from "Baby Mine" to Dumbo's flight -- are wonderfully crafted, absolutely beautiful, and frequently tear-jerking. "Pink Elephants on Parade," the long, trippy animated sequence that is the bane of the collective existence of many children, is a wonderful experiment in animation to these 19-year-old eyes.
As a side note, the much-maligned Jim Crow sequence, while no doubt perpetuating stereotypes, casts the crows in a sympathetic light, for despite their initial playfulness, they're the only characters besides Timothy Mouse to believe in little Dumbo. Take it from me: I tend to read into the racial/sexual stereotypes in many films, but I don't find this one too offensive if taken in the proper context. The monkeys in The Jungle Book, though, are another story....
57 A rare Disney movie that the main character doesn't talk!
This movie is really short. Dumbo runs 1 hour and 3 minutes. Walt Disney's 3rd animated movie. Is Dumbo's name supposed to be Jumbo Jr? Yes, Dumbo is the elphant with his ears sticking out and soon we see a mouse named Timothy Mouse. Dumbo (or Jumbo JR) is not the favorite among the other elephants expect his mom Mrs. Jumbo. But when trouble happpens, and Mrs. Jumbo is out of control trying to protect her baby, she ends up in an empty car with a sign that says "Mad Elphant". But she doesn't look mad. She looks sad. I own this movie on video. But I can't remember how I got two video tapes of this movie and when I got both tapes. Great movie to own if you own more than one tape and on dvd. Good luck finding a copy.
58 Written by a Disheartened Admirer
After twelve years, six VHS tapes and one DVD later DUMBO is still my favorite Disney film, if not greatest film for me, of all time. The summary should already be known through the reviews, so I shall not bother to say more on that. However, I must say that I was rather alarmed at the number of people who were frightened by the Pink Elephant scene. People are talking about the alcohol in Dumbo as if that was the very first time alcohol was in a Disney film (Pinocchio). The scene of colorful, and yes odd, but in a delightful way - the fun of watching the elephants change shape and backgrounds through various acts of oddity. "Baby Mine" is a challenge to sit through when there are no tissues available. "When I See an Elephant Fly" is punny and lighthearted. Yes some of the themes are depressing (being torn from mother and being mocked), but when I compare this film with other Disney films this still comes out on top. I could have even told anyone this at age 4, nothing has changed but my love for the movie, which has increased at an exponential rate.
*Turn on sarcasm radar now* Other reviewers are right. No one wants to watch a film in which a character must overcome social problems that he cannot change. Or a film that is willing to delve into adult themes while still capable of appearing to be nothing more than a cute film. Yes this film is too frightening for kids - now lets watch some lion kid's dad being trampled by antelopes, and a lion being eaten alive by hyenas, or a giant sea witch getting impaled, or hear the sounds of a deer's mother being shot, or a CGI film in which mutilation and torture are okay because they are just toys, or a film in which children are changed into jackasses from drinking.*
59 I love this movie and cry everytime -- controversial scenes
Dumbo is my all time favorite Disney movie, and I'm thrilled that it has become one of my 2 year old's favorites too -- no coincidence. However, now that we are watching it with a two year old, realize that this is not a movie a toddler can watch alone.
There are many distressing scenes as other reviewers have said, but what really bothers my husband more so than me, is that for e.g. in the roustabouts song where they set up the circus, and in the scene where they tie up Dumbo's mommy, the African American roustabouts are not considered worthwhile of being depicted with facial features. I guess it reflects the times when the movie was made. You would watch this with the same advisorys as reading Mark Twain. Its a lovely song, and
overall the movie has the opposite message, of being tolerant to differences in features/characteristics because everyone is special.
I love this movie and always watch with my son, and in the fire scene I explain that they are clowns and pretending, though Dumbo doesn't want to be a clown. Luckily, from the Baby Newton DVD, he already had a much more positive image of clowns. So he seems to be able to understand that its supposed to be funny, though we empathize with Dumbo and rather want to cry. As for the elephants crashing scene etc. well, I can only say that building and breaking up tall towers, crashing cars, etc is a favorite toddler activity :-) And Mommy here always gets a snuggle kiss for the Baby Mine song. My son also noticed that there is no Daddy figure depicted, and I tell him that his Daddy is the same as Mommy and always there for him.
60 My favorite disney movie
How can ANYONE diss this movie? I first saw it when I was three years old, and I loved it (besides the pink elephant part). I was too young to compare Dumbo getting to made fun of to getting mocked at school for something physical. I just liked the elephants, the voices, and the music. If you show this movie to a young child, they will not know that the mouse and elephant are drinking alcohol. (I believe I thought they were drinking soap water.) I didn't know the crow's voices at the end sounded different for a reason.
Hold your kid's hand and let them watch this movie. It'll be good for them.
61 Dumbo Is MAgic And Tears Everytime I See It.
Dumbo is a classic. He is the ultimate underdog in all of us. What is amazing to me is that here is a character, the main character, who delivers such emotion and reality into his head and heart and he never speaks a word.
The Disney animators were brilliant in storyboarding and animating all these characters in the setting of a traveling circus. Dumbo and Mrs. Jumbo (Dumbo's mother) were persecuted because he was different. Being different was scorned and teased and tortured at this circus. What was different about Dumbo? He had overly large ears.
Thanks to one friend, a small mouse, with the spirit and attitude of a major general, Dumbo learns his value, his importance to his mother and what it means to have a true friend. This movie was very special. It has heart and feeling and the most emotive Disney animated character ever that actually never says a word.
The DVD extras on this release are one of the best of the Disney series; it includes a retrospective history of the making and the design of the film with some of the original artists and Roy Disney himself. There are two sing-a-longs for the kids and even two very cute shorts that were originally produced before Dumbo. One was actually the `blueprint' for what Dumbo eventually came to be. There is also a music video with Michael Crawford singing Baby Be Mine.
This is a great DVD to have in anyone's Disney collection or animation collection overall. 8-6-02
62 Classic Disney Magic
Memorable and touching Walt Disney feature cartoon, about the baby circus elephant with ears so big that he can use them as wings to fly. This project represents the Disney Studio at the peak of its creative years. Unforgettable scenes include the "Baby Mine" number, the "Crow's Song" and the drunken nightmare.
This is one of the classic Disney films making the every-seven-year appearances at movie theatres all over the world. I saw it at age 8 in Frankfurt, Germany, and it was a thrill then like it is so many years later. A true gem!*****
63 Sweet, sad, and loveable movie!
I remember watching this as a VERY little girl! It always seemed so safe and innocent even though Dumbo was separated from his mom. As a little kid I didn't notice it so much, but now I can't help but shed a tear at the poor lonely baby with only that little mouse and the crows for companionship. And I definitely agree that adults, esp. parents or those with a maternal streak will cry at "Baby Mine" and also when Dumbo first arrives and his mom wants to protect him from the jeering of the other elephants.
It's kind of like a semi- social commentary. From cruelty to animals to prejudice, there are kind of a lot of issues you could drag out of these 60 minutes! But even if you choose not to, any little kid (or anyone at all, really!) can find something poignant and/or endearing in the movie "Dumbo"!
64 A Wonderful Classic of Innocence and confidence comes to DVD
Dumbo is the story of the World's cutest baby elephant, with the World's biggest pair of ears! Born into a circus life, Dumbo is shunned by the other elephants, with only his mother to provide love and protection. But when Dumbo's mother is carted away for protecting her baby from a mocking group of kids, the little elephant is left with no one. Not for long however, because soon Timothy Mouse comes along and befriends the little fellow. With the help of Timothy, and a local flock of crows, Dumbo develops self respect and self confidence, and learns that "the very things that held him down, are going to carry him up, and up, and up!" Dumbo becomes the world's first and only Flying Elephant!
Dumbo is a true Disney classic! A wonderfully simply and charming tale, told with great music and expert animation! The DVD looks gorgeous, and carries some nice extras. The classic Silly Symphony shorts "Elmer Elephant," (about a little elephant who is made fun of due to his nose while at a friend's birthday party, and yet manages to use that very nose to save the day when a fire breaks out), and "The Flying Mouse," (about a little mouse who wants a pair of wings more than anything, but learns that you are better off the way you are), are included, along with a behind the scenes feature about Dumbo and some other nice treats. This is the way ALL single disc Disney DVDs should be done! Get your copy right away!
65 Technical Trouble!!!!
Lots of great features, but it doesn't play correctly on two of my three DVD players. It locks up on the JVC-XV-D723, and won't play on the Mac G3. The Imac G4 plays it fine. Nevertheless, it should work in all DVD players. I've contacted DisneyDVD about the problem, and we'll see how it goes.
66 Wonderful!
Dumbo is a great Disney movie and it's now found it's proper home on DVD. While the movie is not as fully-restored as Snow White was for the digital realm, the movie looks and sounds better than ever. Being a 60th anniversary edition, Disney also jam-packed the disc with extra features, including a disturbing look at the upcoming Dumbo II...hehehe, well, maybe that's not such a good thing...oh well. Dumbo is wonderful, and HIGHLY recommended!
67 Dumbo: A Sugary Tale
Dumbo
running time 60 minutes
reviewed by Sera Elisabeth
Dumbo is Walt Disney's third film. This sweet and sugary tale of a baby elephant with awfully big ears who could fly was a sensational hit. It was also the very first animated feature to have the background painted in watercolor. So, sweet this movie is, it drifts off into a childish whimsy the young can truly enjoy. There is not much plot, but adults will shed a tear when Dumbo's caged mother takes out her trunk through the window, to rock her sweet baby. A very tender moment in Disney history that has been and will be appreciated in years to come.
68 "You are so precious to me, cute as can be, baby of mine"
A mother's love for her darling child forms the heart of this classic animated feature. Mrs. Jumbo, a circus elephant, has been hoping for a baby to love for a long time; finally, the stork arrives with the little bundle of joy - who is adorable, but has very big ears. He becomes the laughing stock of all the other elephants, but his mother sees only her beautiful baby. The time comes when she must protect Dumbo, is misjudged, and put in the jail-wagon. As she reaches her trunk through the window bars to console and rock her sobbing infant, and sings a heartwrenching lullaby, you'll undersand why Disney was such a great movie maker (bring your hankie!) Little Dumbo overcomes all odds and shows he can actually fly! This is a funny, sentimental, and whimsical movie; a must-see for all Disney fans.
69 Dumbo gets drunk and experiences LSD-like trip!
My 2 year old daughter loves this movie. She particularly loves the choo-choo (one of her obsessions right now). can't believe that in our pc world today that this was re-released--dumbo and the mouse get drunk (accidentally, of course, but this would never have happened if the circus clowns hadn't been boozing it up behind the tent); they experience this lsd like trip--pink elephants on parade (which is kind of scarey); and the black crows are definitely supposed to be black.
Nonetheless, this music is enjoyable and the moral is sound. I don't think this is harming my daughter, but I cringe at the fact that she wants to watch it 24/7. I have to hold out for 2 times a week despite her protests. I just don't think its healthy for kids to watch the same thing over and over. . . .
70 Slow and boring for a 'classic"
this is my least favorite of all the disney movie well maybe tied with "the fox and the hound" and "the black cauldren" this has no substance and i really dont know what all the fuss is about.
71 not the best disney, but so cute!
This is not the best Disney film, I think but it's very cute, and the Dumbo is an endearing character.
72 Just Bonus Features This Time!!!
Okay, so who wants to hear about a story that they already know in an Amazon.com customer review?? BLLAAAAADDY, BLLAAAAADDY, BLLAAAAADDY, BLLAAAAADDY, BLLAAAAA!!!!! Anyway, I'm going to tell you about the bonus features on this DVD. All right, so it isn't exactly the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs platinum edition DVD, but still, it does have three pages crammed with bonus stuff. Gee, I don't know where to start! Well, I guess we should start at the least important, and work ourselves up from there.
First, there are two different Disney Sing - Along - Songs. There is Casey Jr. This is a combination Sing - Along - Song. Not only does it include Casey Jr., but also Casey Jones, the brave engineer. Then there is Look Out For Mr. Stork. I didn't really pay attention to this one, so I forget what it's like. Next, there is The Dumbo DVD Storybook (Dumbo's Big Discovery.) An interactive story about how Dumbo learned to fly. Well, in a newer version at any rate. All aboard!!, for the Michael Crawford Music Video (Baby Mine.) As featured on Michael Crawford: The Disney Album, this classic song becomes a wonderful work of art. You will love it!! After that, there is Sound Design (Creating The Voice Of Casey Jr.) This is one of the best with a capital B!! Right out of The Reluctant Dragon, this is a funny, outrageous, and an educational way to learn how all the great sound effects are put into your favorite movies. Afterwards, we come to two of Walt's classic Silly Symphonies. There is Elmer Elephant. A classic tale about how a little elephant learns to overcome the teasing of all of the bullies on the playground because of his big trunk, (with the help of a giraffe and his girlfriend, Tillie Tiger.) Then, there is The Flying Mouse cartoon. It's a little scary, so I don't recommend this animated short for audiences six and under. I thought I'd just get this next one out of the way. There's a DVD-ROM with DVD-ROM Weblinks. It won't work without a DVD-ROM drive on your computer, so that's why I can't explain it. During the movie you have a choice whether to watch the movie with Audio Commentary or not. You can turn it on and off in the DVD bonus features section when you come to it in the menu. After which there is an exclusive look at Dumbo 2. They're making it seem that they're continuing the original story as if it happened a day or two ago. My estimate is that this movie should come out in late 2003 or anytime in 2004.
Now, unfortunately, we come to the best out of all of them. The last three. I don't know which one should end up on top though. Oh, I know!! Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe, catch a tiger by the toe. If he cries, let him go. My mom told me to pick the best one............okay, I've got it. Coming in third place is The Celebrating Dumbo Featurette. A story about Dumbo's history and origins. You will learn all about the making of this timeless film, while having fun, as well. Then, racing into second place is The Original Opening To Dumbo in Walt Disney's Disneyland. It really is kind of neat to see an opening to a movie in black and white. And Walt Disney introducing it on the old T.V. show Disneyland, too. Finally, soaring into what I think should be in first place is, drum roll please...The Dumbo Art Gallery. I think, STOP THAT DRUM ROLL!!! Eh, ha, ha, so sorry. I think that this is the best because I like seeing all of that old concept art, attractions at Disneyland, character sheets, Pink Elephants, and much more in that area.
This DVD is fun for the whole family. This is definitely a must have for any Disney DVD collection. Well, that's it. I hope that this review has helped you and encourages to get this DVD.
73 An Absolute MUST HAVE!
My 1-1/2 year old daughter loves this movie. The emotion expressed by each animal character is easily identified by her. One of the few long movies she will sit still through!
74 O Baby Mine
This is without doubt one of the finest films to come out of Disney ever. Short(only 64 minutes long), but very to the point, and always pulling those heart strings. This is one of those rare films that makes me cry every time I watch it, and if you don't get all misty during the visit at the train car scene with Mrs. Jumbo, you need to seek professional help.
What moves me the most are two things: the special bond between mother and child, and Dumbo being an outcast because of his appearance. Being a tall person, I always stand out in a crowd, and that's not always been pleasant. I have tremendous love and respect for my mother, and it would hurt me terribly to have her removed from me, so I'm deeply moved by the whole film, even thought I know it's all just fantasy. But, isn't that what all film is? Fantasy?
This is just a short, sweet film with a whole lot of heart that proves that all is needed is a story, and believable charactors to fall in love with, and care for, and cheer for.
Add this one to your DVD collection soon, it's well worth it!
75 Not up to par with Disney Collector's Edition movies
Although the bonus features on this DVD are good, they are not up to par with Disney Collector's Edition movies. The picture and sound quality are good, so this movie is a good buy.
76 A Minor Classic
I understand there are many sentimental parents and grandparents who treasure this movie. Well a 3 year old doesn't care about that; they just want to be entertained. With that as my only criteria, I have to give this 3 stars. The movie is rather slow paced compared to what kids are used to. And there are those now politically incorrect moments, too (specifically racial overtones). They don't bother me, but they could bother some people. We all agree it's a classic, but I doubt all of our kids would.
77 Dumbo
I like the cute elephant. He is my favorite character in the movie. I believe my dollars would be better spent on this film than any disney sequel.
78 A disney story that you will cherish for a life time.
I love this sweet story everytime I watch it. Dumbo always gives me a tear in my eye because of how all the other elephants make fun of him and tease him because of his big ears!
Dumbo is a movie your entire family will love. It teaches you to always respect those who are different, and to not make fun of them because they look different than you!
That is what Dumbo, the movie is about.
I loved it because Dumbo becomes a "flying elephant"!
79 Absolute Favorite Disney Movie
This was my favorite disney movie as a child and it still is now that I am an adult. It gets better and cuter every time I see it. I hope my kids will enjoy it as much as I have.
80 A timeless family classic, with an important message...
I had the pleasure of seeing DUMBO again (after more years than I can remember!) with my nephew, and it was a wonderful experience. It's a beautifully animated film, with a message that speaks to us all--just because some folks may consider you "different" doesn't mean that you are worthless.
Baby elephant Dumbo's big ears, along with his ruining a circus act, relegate him to the lowest rung of the totem pole--he's now a clown, and the other elephants won't even consider Dumbo one of "them." When Dumbo's mother tries to stick up for her baby, she is labled "wild," and chained up, isolated from everyone.
Dumbo makes one friend, Timothy the Mouse, who helps Dumbo realize that he can make a contribution--those big ears, the cause of so much scorn and derision, allow Dumbo to fly. None of the other elephants can do that, and in the end, Dumbo triumphs, showing everyone that he really isn't "different" after all. He is reunited with his mother, and is the star of the show.
It's an important message--one worth showing to your kids, and it's a great film to watch with your children.
81 Great Disney classic and a good DVD.
I'm so glad Disney is releasing their classics on DVD. "Dumbo" is one of them. My favorite extras on this DVD include the "Celebrating Dumbo" featurette, two Silly Symphony animated shorts "Elmer Elephant" and "The Flying Mouse", and best of all, a commentary by animation historian John Canemaker. He gives a great amount of information about the voice actors and animators. I recommend this DVD for Disney fans.
82 Walt Disney's Favorite for Good Reason
I got this for Christmas and watched it with my 6 year old neice that same week. I had forgotten what a wonderful movie Dumbo is. The DVD has excellent images and brings back that feeling of being in the movie theatre to see Dumbo. Dumbo is the ultimate kids movie to teach them why you shouldn't make fun of someone just because they are different. And it is funny to remember when going to the circus was such a big deal. This is a must for Disney collector's and even if you aren't, this movie is excellent for children. My 6 year old neice loved it. And if you remember it from when you were little, you might just get a little nostalgic yourself.
83 Classic Disney movie for all ages...score: 80 (out of 100)
The first time I came into contact with DUMBO (1941) was in Steven Spielberg's "1941", where a macho general (Robert Stack) is watching the "Baby Mine" scene. He starts to shead tears, and the audience uproars with laughter. When I rented the 50th anniversary edition, I knew why the general cried. I did the same, and then I started laughing, too.
Here is a movie for all ages. It hasn't dated over the years, which makes it perfect. The message is clear - inner strength, friendship, and love conquers all. The "Pink Elephants" and "Baby Mine" scenes are still classics. The most touching scene in movie history, of course, is when Jumbo Jr. sees his mother in jail, and the song, "Baby Mine", is played.
Although FANTASIA, SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO, and LION KING are much better animated films from Disney, DUMBO tugs more at the heart.
Score: 80 (out of 100)
84 Great
One of my favorite Disney films! And, like I am sure DVD fans out there will agree with me: sure glad Disney put extras on it!!
85 DVD has no benefit over VHS
My wife and I saw Dumbo in the cinema as children, and it was one of our favorites. So, of course, we got the VHS for our daughter, who also worships Dumbo. Naturally, I grabbed the 60th anniversary DVD when it suddenly appeared at the local price club.
The jacket promises a preview of Dumbo II. There is no preview on the DVD we received. We are bitterly disappointed, since this was the reason we bought a redundant copy.
Furthermore, the "Celebrating Dumbo" featurette is just a bunch of young Disney employees making vapid comments about what a great movie Dumbo is. None of them have any connection to the original production, so they were incapable of showing any insight into the making of Dumbo. Now, I admit that we had just viewed the featurette for Snow White, which is undeniably awesome. By comparison, the Dumbo featurette is a content-free failure.
Dumbo on DVD supports 5.1 surround sound, but--compared to the masterful remastering of, say, Snow White--there's not much advantage over the remastering of the VHS version.
Too bad Disney couldn't give Dumbo the attention it gave Snow White. If you have Dumbo on VHS, don't bother with the DVD. [...]
My regards to all big-eared folks, no matter your species...
86 One of the Best Disney Films of All Time
It is the shortest film, and cheapest made, by Disney; and yet, "Dumbo", released in 1941, was then, and remains now, among the best of the best to come out of Walt Disney. It was made for under one million dollars, and with very little of the film to reshoot, it did not take long to produce.
Dumbo is the proud baby elephant of Mrs. Jumbo, a circus elephant. He is given the name Jumbo Jr., but later, as a cruel joke, by the other elephants in the circus, acquires the name Dumbo. By the end of the film, he wears this name with pride. Before then, however, the name of Dumbo haunts him, and causes him no end of grief and trouble.
The cause for Dumbo's misfortune becomes clear when he sneezes, the force of which causes his ears to pop open. Immediately we see these ears are abnormally large. As the other elephants start to laugh, Mrs. Jumbo shelters her baby in her arms. When some children pass by Dumbo and begin making thoughtless remarks about his ears, and begin to tug on them, quite violently, Mrs. Jumbo's anger errupts. She assults one of the children. The circus people rush to the scene and quickly remove her. She is placed in a cage, seperated from Dumbo. Alone, and scared, Dumbo befriends an unlikely character - a mouse named Timothy.
When the circus people discover how large Dumbo's ears are, they decide to make him into a clown. They drink to their success, during which a bottle of champaign is knocked into a water bucket. This is unknown to Dumbo and Timothy when they drink from the bucket. Dumbo suffers a bizarre nightmare, and awakes to find himself, and Timothy, high atop a tree.
In trying to figure out how they got up there, Timothy strikes upon the idea that Dumbo flew. Some crows nearby take an interest in these two, and break out into song, singing a delightful tune "When I see an elephant fly".
Of course this is too much for Dumbo, and he can't bring himself to believe he can actually fly. However, Timothy coaxes him to trying to fly. Timothy also gives Dumbo a "magic" feather, which he says will allow him to fly as long as he holds on to it. Low and behold, the feather seems to work; for Dumbo is flying!
Now that Dumbo can fly, apparently through the power of the feather, what are the circus people to do with him? What are they to make of him? And will the other elephants begin to show him more respect, and stop taunting him?
"Dumbo" is a story many of us can relate to, especially for those of us who have been taunted and teased during some dark time in our lives for a particular "flaw" we might have upon our person; something which others find to be worth attacking and critizing. Dumbo perseveres, and he shows us we can too. He also shows us that we need not hide our flaws, but wear them openly, with pride.
87 Great, despite the grainy picture quality
This sweet animated film (only 64 minutes long) is truly a Disney treasure. The simple story is about a little elephant that just doesn't fit in because of his freakishly large ears. Timothy, a little circus mouse, befriends Dumbo and sees only beauty in his new friend. Dumbo entertains us, as well as teaches us a timeless lesson about love and tolerance in a world that is often times unkind and cruel. The animation is rather simple as compared to the detail found in Snow White or Pinocchio, but it somehow works because of the film's other strengths. In Dumbo your emotions run the full spectrum from laughter to tears. The musical numbers are memorable, especially "Baby Mine". Baby Mine is a tearjerker if ever there was one. The crows add great comic relief toward the end of the film. The Special Bonus Features on the DVD are a real nice touch and generous. Among the extras are a "Celebrating Dumbo" featurette, two animated shorts, and a Music Video of "Baby Mine" sung by Michael Crawford that will have you sobbing all over again, guaranteed! The only complaint I have was mentioned by other reviewers, that being the grainy quality of the film. This flaw simply does not make any sense. I would have expected that Disney, promoting Dumbo as the "60th Anniversary Edition", would have bothered to restore the picture and audio elements. The DVD back cover makes claims to Dumbo being digitally restored and remastered with a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, but it certainly is not evident to me. I guess we should be thankful for the merits of the DVD which are many. Recommended.
88 Great Movie - Grainy DVD Video Transfer
Dumbo, the classic story with a Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer twist, about a little elephant with big ears that doesn't fit in until he discovers he can fly. This is the second Disney DVD title (the first is Pocahontas) that includes a grainy video transfer to DVD. I can't understand, with the magic of digital transfer why Disney would release any DVD with a grainy look. Especially given the time it takes Disney to release each one of their classic stories to DVD. I will say one thing though, the extras that Disney has been including in their DVDs makes it well worth the price despite the flaws.
89 Nice DVD, Great Film!
I will not spend much time reviewing the film since it is so well known. This is Walt Disneys personal favorite. It is a lovely story about someone who is different and the the hardships he must go through and at the end what was once considered a weakness is his biggest strength. Now onto the DVD. The film transfer is fantastic considering this movie is 60 years old. The digital remastering was very well done and is up to par with Snow White and Fantasia. The 5.1 Dolby track really shines and the audio has a spacious feel and is very clean. The sub-woofer and rears are used a few times as well. The additional content is nice and is above the Gold Edition standard. Since it is a single disc it does not have the wealth of material that Snow White has but does contain a great deal. The audio commentary was very interesting and follows the film.
A must own DVD for any collection and even more so if you have kids!
90 Great movie if it weren't for the Pink Elephants
Don't get me wrong... I am one of those life-long Disney movie lovers; the kind that collect every one of the movies for my children....BUT, Dumbo is just not at the top of the list when it comes to letting my 3-year-old watch it. Both my husband and I recall being frightened by the "Pink Elephants on Parade" as young children---you must admit the worms and skeletal elephants are a little weird. The rest of the movie is wonderful--the characters, songs, moral and story---but THAT part just doesn't seem to fit in with the rest, and unfortunately, causes us to shy away from adding Dumbo to our Disney collection.
91 Jumbo Jr. still makes me cry
The simple, straightforward story of Dumbo (or more accurately, Jumbo Jr.) still has the power to move audiences even after 60 years. All of us have felt like Jumbo Jr. at some point (if not all through) our lives. We are also hard wired to protect and care for our young so when Mrs. Jumbo fights for her son, we automatically empathise for her as well. This film works on all levels from art direction, color, mood, animation, character design score and song to the bizzare set piece "Pink Elephants on Parade" that dazzilingly displays the artists talents (in my opinion, one of the greatest segments ever animated). Truly a Disney treasure and one that everyone from 3 to 103 can enjoy over and over again.
Thankfully this DVD presentation gives you many reasons to do just that. The film has been lovingly restored and looks more bright and colorful than ever! There are 2 very entertaining Silly Symphonies included (Elmer the Elephant / the Flying Mouse) that show Walt's early attempts at animating elephants and the themes that would eventually make their way into Dumbo. The video of Michael Crawford singing 'Baby Mine' is painful however and should be skipped (both Barbara Cook and Bonnie Rait have done much better work with this song). The 'Celebrating Dumbo' Featurette is very quick and light hearted with no real information on the making of the film, just peoples ideas and feelings about it. If you want a more detailed and comprehensive look at it's creation check out the commentary which gives you plenty of new information and insight. Also the conceptual drawings are fun to scroll through.
This is what I expect from a special edition DVD. The film has been beautifully restored and there are many worthwhile extras all packed onto one disc. And I haven't even mentioned the Casey Jr. train! Each DVD comes with a cardboard pop out that can be folded in to the train for display. It's touches like these that put this DVD over the top. The film itself more than justifies the purchase, but the (mosttly terrific) bonus material certainly sweetens the deal. You can't go wrong with one of Disney's best, Dumbo.
92 Disney's Dumbo 60th Anniversary DVD
What's amazing about Disney's 4th feature, "Dumbo", is that it is probably one of the most simple looking animated features of all time, yet it is one of the best. Proving that even the most detailed art is not required to carry a movie, most of the films backgrounds and characters are not as intricate and detailed as "Snow White" or "Pinocchio", they are VERY simple. "Dumbo" instead relys on a good story, that I'm sure you are fimiliar with. A simple, but rich 64 minutes telling the story of a baby elephant with big ears, that is an outcast. The reason that this movie has lasted for so long, aside from being Disney, is that everyone can relate to it, as said throughout the disc's extras and commentary.
The DVD has a good Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, but I was rather disappointed with the picture quality. It claims to have a remastered picture, but there is so much grain, and dirt throughout the feature. After what Disney DVD did for "Snow White", I was expecting a little more for this release. The extras are great: the commentary is very informative, the concept arts are interesting, and "Celebrating Dumbo" is a good enough featurette. The only negative is that Disney Co. is continuing to ruin the classics, by attaching unnecessary sequels. Inferior by existing Disney video sequel reputation, "Dumbo II" is on it's way.
"Dumbo", costing only $800,000, saved Disney from the WWII-caused financial failures of "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia". So it is one of the important stepping blocks of Disney's history and one of the most enjoyable animated features of all time.
93 A Truly Moving Picture
DUMBO is a film that I would have liked to have worked on.
It has 'heart'. It has great characters, great voices, and is completely unpretentious. This last feature is, sadly, rarely found in animated films today.
Are there actually people who consider this film 'unsuitable' for children since it contains scenes of drunkenness? Like the Shakespearian bowdlerizers of earlier times, they miss the point of this movie: a baby is taken from his mother and exploited by a 'bunch of clowns', and called a 'freak' by his fellow elephants
DUMBO is a story about self-image and respect. This is something that is very important for younger children to learn, since they are forming their own self-images and are woefully susceptible to the comments of their peers.
Perhaps there are objections to the crows? They are from another time, but are handled with humor and restraint. Take a look at live action films from this period to see how some things were simply 'taken for granted'. Racist sentiment plays a part in this film, but it is directed at Dumbo by his fellow elephants, who consider him 'no longer an elephant' when he ruins a circus act. Crows, mice, and elephants are all equally horrified to hear that Dumbo has been made a clown--the lowest form of circus life, in their estimation. Only his mother does not mind.
This is another important message for children to learn: that true love doesn't care if you aren't perfect. All of this is stated simply and in less than one hour's time.
Get this disc for your children instead of the POKEMON that they may still be asking you for. You will enjoy it as well.
My one complaint about this DVD is that they did not identify the artists in photos in the Backstage section. Some of these wonderful people are still around, and some are actually still working. They deserve the credit.
94 DVD needs work
This DVD would not work with a High Definition wide screen TV on a DVD JVC-723 progressive scan player. It did worked with my Pioneer DV-434 just fine on a 36 inch Toshiba TV. This is the first DVD I purchased that would not worked with my JVC-723 progressive scan player. Story is cool as most know so I won't go into that here. Extra's are good. I gave it 1 stars because the DVD is incomplete for testing with DVD players. Of course, I will exchange a copy tomorrow to make sure I did not get a defective Dumbo DVD and retract my comments if that actually makes things OK. If you don't here from me by then, you can take it from me, this DVD needs work. 10/25/01
95 So Simple It's Classic!
It's true that Dumbo isn't a long story and dosen't take alot to process, yet it is loved by everyone who sees it! It's the timeless tale of the baby elephant withe the large ears. When some kids are making fun of Dumbo, Dumbo's mom, Mrs. Jumbo, gets so angry she attacks. When the circus puts her in solitary confinement, poor dumbo is befriended by Timothy the mouse. When Dumbo and Timothy get drunk (unintentionally), they hillucinate Pink Elephants on Parade (One of Disney's most creative scenes in animation history!). They wake up the next morning in a tree and come to the conclusion that Dumbo flew up there. Now it's time for Dumbo to become famouse and free his mother resulting in one of the happiest endings you'll ever see! The special features include two animated shorts, A brand new documentary, Concept art, trailers, "Baby Mine" music video performed by Michael Crawford, a Comentary, and a new 5.1 soundtrack. The picture and sound have both been remastered. Also, there is a cardboard Casey Jr. train inside. It takes a while to assemble, but it turns out very cute! If you like Dumbo, you may also like a new live action feature about a baby elephant trying to find his lost mother called "Whispers-An Elephants Tale" now on video and DVD! Buy this collectible copy of Dumbo's 60th Anniversary today!
96 Done bad Dumbo?
This is another well-endowed DVD release from Disney who are getting up to scratch with their DVD releases! Hurrah!
The extras are fitting and informative - the 'making of' documentary is very good and well researched with analysis of the film as well as reminiscing from animators and Disney anoraks, etc.
The DVD also does well on account of the inclusion of two animated shorts and the sound process used on animated features. I also like the art gallery which is extensive.
The sneak peak at Dumbo II is more a sneak peak BEHIND THE SCENES of Dumbo II (no actual animated footage). Interestingly the DVD also has a trailer for Peter Pan 2: Return to Nether Land where you DO see animation. A lot of it (nice too!).
Whilst I love this Anniversary Edition DVD I must admit that I think the animated menu is the most grotesque/naive attempt to animate Dumbo flying over the menu options imaginable! It looks so cheap and nasty compared with CGI circus tent! Taste Disney, taste!
Overall a fine DVD - spoiled by an ugly appearance......Isn't that what Dumbo's about anyway? Wow - allegory in a Disney film. What next!
97 Still fresh
I hope that people are not put off by the age of this film.
True, it doesn't have the jaw-dropping animation of recent films. And it doesn't have the excitement and peril of many other Disney films (Rescuers, etc.)
But it is a touching story that's well-told. And the animation makes up for its lack of technology through sheer artistry. Throw in the great songs, and you get a movie that just doesn't grow old.
98 Unassuming look at the genius of animated films
It's short. It's sweet. It's quite possibly the most fulfilling animated film of all time, and it is still (thank god) a classic children are learning from--not just watching, but hopefully comprehending. Dumbo is one of those awesome anti-heros, up there with the Don Quixote/Bilbo Baggins/Stephen Dedalus group that, somehow, changes the world that was originally against them into a better place. Somewhat fantastical, always tender, and never pathetic, this film is a magnificent achievement: its characters are amazingly well-developed (of course with the wonderful casting of voices) and completely dynamic, even in the short time the movie runs. A sappy movie that isn't boring and stupid--I could get used to this! Go Dumbo!
99 A childhood favorite that continues to please
"Dumbo" has always been one of my very favorite Disney films. This tale of the little elephant with the big ears carries a valuable lesson - honor the talents of those who are different from yourself. The musical numbers, from the humorous "When I See An Elephant Fly" to the sweet lullaby "Baby Mine," are representative of Disney composers' best. The animation is outstanding, with each character's personality clearly demonstrated in his or her appearance before any dialogue is added.
On a personal note, I was watching this movie with my nephew several years ago, and the importance of the movie's message was demonstrated for me in a very moving fashion. The little boy looked at me solemnly and said "I think his ears are cute. People shouldn't make fun because Dumbo is different."
From the mouths of babes ...
I cannot recommend this movie highly enough to Disneyphiles, families ... everyone.
100 The Best Disney Movie Ever!!!!!!!
No other Disney movie has ever captured my undivided attention as has Dumbo. These days the Disney animators just try to amaze viewers with what is pleasing to the eyes, and forget about the story. Watch the backgrounds in Dumbo and you might think that "hey this isn't very good animation!" Well, you're wrong! They did this movie by hand! No computer graphics to take away from the beautiful story of this little misunderstood elephant. If you don't love this movie you are crazy!
